JOC.com

Just weeks to go until #Inland24! There's still time to join us September 30 - October 2, in Chicago for what will be an inspiring three-day event focused on North American transportation and logistics in the region's cargo capital. If you're looking to come together with shippers and transportation and logistics providers to unravel the industry's challenges and solutions, register today: https://okt.to/qDHVn4

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) plays a vital role in determining base rates for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. However, its complexity can be challenging. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association is working to simplify the NMFC, making it more user-friendly for LTL carriers, shippers, and logistics providers. An upcoming Inland Academy session will explore the importance of freight classification, efforts to streamline the NMFC, new online tools and training, and the perspectives of industry stakeholders on these changes. Learn more: https://okt.to/fncNga

As transportation and supply chain professionals, we all began our careers learning the fundamentals of logistics. Over time, with the guidance of mentors and hands-on experience, we’ve grown into leaders, shaping the future of the industry. Now, it’s our responsibility to prepare the next generation of leaders. In this upcoming session, industry executives will share career-defining lessons, explore strategies for developing future talent, and discuss the critical skills needed for tomorrow’s leaders to succeed. If you're in a leadership role, this is a great opportunity to bring your junior team members to #Inland24 in Chicago for insights on navigating their career paths and thriving in an ever-changing industry. Learn more: https://okt.to/5QZAoc

Given the ubiquitous nature of artificial intelligence, today’s default for every tech vendor and third-party logistics provider is to pronounce that its capabilities are AI-powered. That leaves buyers of logistics technology in a tricky position, because most are not experts in technology, let alone AI. Artificial intelligence undoubtedly will affect the logistics industry, from making companies more efficient and accurate, to unlocking decision-making that lies beyond the reach of humans. But how and when those changes will occur isn’t clear. This webcast will analyze where AI is already impacting international and domestic logistics by identifying key processes where AI is already in play or likely to be in play in the near future. Learn more: https://okt.to/T8NGlY

US shippers say they plan to keep inventories leaner even as they expect an uptick in revenue growth, according to the latest reading of the BlueGrace Logistics Confidence Index. This is generally negative for import container volumes which were weakening after a robust spring, leading to a softening in rates as of mid-September. Nearly a quarter (21%) of shipper respondents had a negative view of inventory for the third quarter compared with just 8% for the first quarter. Learn more: https://okt.to/768Jyh

Discussion of artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. It’s literally impossible to avoid the impact it is purportedly having across our personal and professional lives. The logistics industry is no different. The default setting for every vendor and third-party logistics provider is to pronounce that its capabilities are AI-powered. That leaves buyers of logistics technology in a tricky position because most are not experts in technology, much less artificial intelligence. AI will definitely affect the logistics industry, from making companies more efficient and accurate, to unlocking decision-making that lies beyond the reach of humans. It also will change the nature of the logistics workforce. But exactly how and when those changes will occur is not yet clear. This webcast, led by JOC.com senior technology editor Eric Johnson, will help the market understand where AI is actually impactful in international and domestic logistics by identifying key processes where AI is already in play or likely to be in play in the near future. What’s more, the session will explore the extent to which buyers need to equip themselves with the means to understand AI. Learn more: https://okt.to/BAbLvt

Join us at #Inland24 to explore the impact of non-compete agreements on over 30 million U.S. workers. We'll cover their prevalence, enforceability, and legal trends, including the push for regulation. Understand how these clauses affect professionals across industries, with a focus on their disproportionate impact on women and minorities. Learn more: https://okt.to/8pEJO3

Over the past decade, logistics tech has evolved rapidly, promising efficiency and cost savings. But not all solutions deliver as expected—often due to inadequate evaluation. At #Inland24, logistics tech veteran Mike Mulqueen will help attendees manage this journey though a dedicated session aimed at enabling shippers to better understand the state of play when it comes to evaluating a TMS. The session is part of the broad Inland Academy track on day 1 of the event, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in downtown Chicago. Learn more: https://okt.to/vsGTwY

Tomorrow's Webcast: Ocean carriers are again awash with cash as early peak-season shipping demand that has helped to push significant cargo volumes to soaring spot markets out of Asia. It is against this backdrop that saber-rattling by the International Longshoremen’s Association should be viewed as its master contract negotiations with maritime employers on the US East and Gulf coasts become increasingly fractured, increasing the possibility of work stoppages in October. This webcast will analyze the potential disruption ahead, what alternatives shippers might have, and how the rest of 2024 is shaping up in the typically subdued trans-Atlantic trades. Learn more: https://okt.to/zSdHXQ

We are excited to announce that the four-day #TPM25 agenda is now available for viewing. It sets out our initial plans for the agenda which will evolve and stay current with industry developments as they unfold between now and early March when #TPM25 kicks off. As has been the case each year since TPM was founded 25 years ago, the agenda is journalistically built by the Journal of Commerce editors to probe the most important issues facing BCOs, tapping the leading voices in the industry to draw out the most timely and relevant insights. Early Bird rates are available for a limited time only, sign up now at our lowest rates and save. Learn more: https://okt.to/nvH53I